Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: 4,714 ft
GPS: 37.74778, -119.559
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 243,040 total · 1,124/month
Shared By: Josh Janes on Jun 15, 2006 · Updates
Admins: Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Latest updates on closures, permits, and regulations. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Washington Column stands at the eastern end of the Valley, on the north side. Supposedly, it was so named because from some point of view, the rock appears to look like George Washington.

The most popular routes on this formation are the South Face (5.7 A1), many climber's first-time big wall, and Astroman (5.11c), the world-famous free route on the east face. In recent years, other routes like Skull Queen (5.8 C2) have gained in popularity.

Getting There Suggest change

The Column is found on the east end of the Valley, just east of the Ahwahnee Hotel. It used to be you could park at the Ahwahnee and hoof over to the Column on the bike path, but I've heard recently that you can't park there anymore (permit req'd?). Maybe someone can post up the current beta...

15 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: I. Washington Column Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Washington Column

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C1
 387
South Face
Trad, Aid 11 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C2
 46
Skull Queen
Trad, Aid 12 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C2
 167
The Prow
Trad, Aid 12 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c A2
 7
Mideast Crisis
Trad, Aid 13 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C3
 9
Ten Days After
Trad, Aid 13 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a C2
 15
Southern Man
Trad, Aid 8 pitches
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 98
Jo Jo
Trad
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 208
Astroman
Trad 10 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
South Face
 387
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C1 Trad, Aid 11 pitches
Skull Queen
 46
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C2 Trad, Aid 12 pitches
The Prow
 167
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C2 Trad, Aid 12 pitches
Mideast Crisis
 7
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c A2 Trad, Aid 13 pitches
Ten Days After
 9
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C3 Trad, Aid 13 pitches
Southern Man
 15
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a C2 Trad, Aid 8 pitches
Jo Jo
 98
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad
Astroman
 208
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Trad 10 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Washington Column »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Photos

loading